All change: EMG to consolidate and re-brand its connectivity services

EMG is merging its RF wireless services departments into a single business unit as part of a drive to develop new products and services and enter new markets.

The move will see the activities of Eurolinx, Broadcast RF and the RF segment of EMG France consolidated under the banner of EMG Connectivity.

The broadcast services company said this will allow clients working with EMG Connectivity to draw on the “unrivalled knowledge and resources of the whole Group to integrate world-leading solutions in remote production, IP technology, RF, satellite and 5G into their next production.”

EMG Connectivity will continue to provide services independently from other services like outside broadcasting, it added.

Shaun Gregory, the group CEO of EMG, said: “EMG brings the world’s biggest events to billions of viewers through our connectivity services. EMG Connectivity is the best of both worlds: by creating one brand but maintaining the individual customer service of the three companies we are able to offer clients greater clarity and access to the strength and knowledge of the EMG Group. The combination enables better and faster focusing on developing a new range of products and services, and in addition, entering new markets.”

“By creating one brand but maintaining the individual customer service of the three companies we are able to offer greater clarity and access to the strength and knowledge of the EMG Group.”

The new business unit will be led by Bruno Gallais, who becomes the managing director of EMG Connectivity. He will hold this role alongside his work as CEO of EMG France. Gallais will be joined in the management team by Mark Houghton who will lead the UK business and will be the innovation director for EMG Connectivity. Bruno Coudyzer from Belgium will be responsible for business development. From France, Rudy Dendleux will be the technical director while Chris Brandrick, known from Broadcast RF, will become the unit’s commercial director.

EMG Connectivity’s fleet and inventory will include: 10 operational RF vehicles; 300+ RF links, of which 175+ are HEVC (UHD/HDR capable); 35 BMW motorbikes and access to multiple electric motorbikes; five equipped relay aeroplanes, of which four have pressurised cabins.

It also has the ability to deploy 25+ EASA airworthy RF helicopters and 20+ bonded cellular 4G/5G systems

Gallais added: “Working wirelessly is a given in almost every outside broadcast production and is seamlessly integrated into our workflows. By joining forces, EMG Connectivity offers our customers all our expertise and a tailored service with greater efficiency benefits. We’re looking forward to working with our existing clients and new clients on their next project.”

The EMG Connectivity business units have previously collaborated at various major international events including the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, the Olympics and FIFA World Cup, the European Championships in Munich, and the marathons of London, Berlin and Vienna.